Chandigarh, August 18 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday felicitated the players of the state, with cash prize worth Rs 1 crore (each), who were part of the Bronze medal winning Indian Hockey team in the recently concluded Paris Olympics.

In his address, the Chief Minister said that this is a historic occasion as they honor these sons of the soil who have brought laurels to the state and country. He said that these players have brought immense pride and satisfaction for the entire country by this momentous win. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had personally watched every hockey match of the team and the spectacular performance by these players have made us all feel proud.

Indian team defeat Australia after 52 years

The Chief Minister expressed elation at seeing the Indian team defeat Australia after 52 years, adding that the matches against Spain, England, and others were equally superb. He said every countryman’s dream came true with the team’s medal victory, and the best part is that Captain Harmanpreet led the team to victory.Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this leadership capability was outstanding and it led to the team bagging a bronze medal in the Paris Olympics.

Hockey : Harman scored 10 goals in the Olympics

The Chief Minister said, “Harman scored 10 goals in the Olympics, and I am thrilled to felicitate these gems today. The entire country extends its best wishes to these players and is overwhelmed by their achievement.””

Bhagwant Singh Mann added that Indian Hockey is on the path of revival and mentioned that Punjab is planning to hold a league tournament between four world-class hockey teams in November.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is wholeheartedly working to promote sports and will leave no stone upturned to achieve it. He said that the third edition of the Kheda Watan Punjab Dian will commence from August 28th, which will act as a catalyst to promote sports in the state.

Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the state government will develop sports clusters like Football in Mahilpur area, Boxing in Sangrur, Hockey in Jalandhar, Athletes in Ludhiana and others to promote sports in the state.

Giving cash prizes and jobs to the medal winner players

The Chief Minister said that apart from giving cash prizes and jobs to the medal winner players, the state will also explore the feasibility of giving promotions in jobs already given to them. Donning a new role, Bhagwant Singh Mann also interviewed the players regarding their experiences in the field during the matches. During interaction with Harmanpreet, German and others, he lauded the amazing sports spirit exhibited by the players during the matches that ultimately led to the victory of the team.

The Chief Minister said that the entire country is indebted to all these players for restoring the pristine glory of the national game- Hockey. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the words fall short for describing the historic feat of the Indian Hockey team. He assured the team members that he will leave no stone unturned for this noble cause, adding that the state will make these players brand ambassadors for its crusade against the menace of drugs.

On the occasion, Captain of Indian Hockey squad Harmanpreet Singh lauded the Chief Minister for providing congenial atmosphere for promotion of sports. He said that the felicitation by the Punjab government to medal winners will go a long way in further boosting sports in the state. Harmanpreet Singh said that it will further help in weaning away the youth of the state from the menace of drugs.

Mandeep Singh also thanked the Chief Ministe

Indian Hockey player Mandeep Singh also thanked the Chief Minister for boosting sports in the state. He also promised the Chief Minister that next time the color of the medal will change in the Olympics. Mandeep Singh also envisioned that next time the number of players in Olympics contingent from state will also enhance considerably.

The Chief Minister disbursed Rs 1 crore each to eight Hockey Players and Rs 15 lakh each to 11 other participants of Olympic Games.